West Brom sacked Irvine on Monday after Warnock was dismissed by Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew (left) and West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Irvine with wreaths of remembrance before the Barclays Premier League match at the Hawthorns, West Bromwich. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday November 9, 2014. See PA story SOCCER West Brom. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire. Editorial use only. Maximum 45 images during a match. No video emulation or promotion as 'live'. No use in games, competitions, merchandise, betting or single club/player services. No use with unofficial audio, video, data, fixtures or club/league logos.

The Foxes are bottom of the Barclays Premier League with Palace in 18th and the Baggies a point above and in 16th.

But Pearson has the backing of his club and squad and feels for his fellow managers after their sackings.

“I don’t like anyone losing their job, I have sympathy and empathy. I don’t have all the information in terms of all the individual circumstances,” he said.

“I’m sure the bookies were disappointed it was not me.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson.

“It spurs people on to do their job. It’s always difficult to see managers lose their jobs.

“If you have the support of people you work for that’s always important. I don’t think any manager is above that sort of scrutiny. That’s the nature of the industry.

“I can’t talk for other clubs but I certainly won’t get ahead of myself.”

The Foxes won their first game in 14 attempts in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Hull to sit three points adrift of the safety line. They go to Liverpool on New Year’s Day and Pearson has always felt comfortable with the backing he has received.

He said: “The longer disappointing results go on for it is clear that people will be under pressure.

“I’m very proud to be here, I work for people who I have a huge amount of respect for but I understand they will always make the right decision for the club. “I don’t need public assurances. I understand the situation I work under here and we are all trying to work for the same outcome.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has launched the search for a new manager with Alan Pardew’s departure for Crystal Palace imminent.

The sportswear tycoon, currently on holiday in Barbados, had already put the wheels in motion amid fevered speculation over the identity of the seventh permanent boss to occupy the St James’ Park hot-seat during his seven and a half year reign to date.

Pardew’s assistant John Carver, formerly of Bramall Lane, and first-team coach Steve Stone will take care of team affairs for Thursday’s Barclays Premier League fixture against Burnley and the FA Cup third round trip to Leicester two days later.